Lifestyles
History comes to life through food
By Tarleton State University
Mar 25, 2009

THURBER, TEXAS—It’s often said we are what we eat. Because of that, recipes offer a delicious way to explore history, geography and culture.

On Sunday, March 29, Tarleton State University’s W.K. Gordon Center in Thurber, Texas, is hosting a free program in which visitors can learn how old cookbooks and family recipes can illustrate history through our grandparent and great-grandparent’s food choices and habits.

The program will begin at 2:30 p.m. and the featured speaker will be Dr. Jane Dennis, Tarleton faculty member.

If you enjoy old cookbooks, marvel at unusual combinations of ingredients from past dishes or treasure old family recipes, this is a wonderful opportunity to discover your origins.

The history of cookbooks exemplifies America’s diversity and character. While the country came late to publishing cookbooks, immigrants brought their own recipe collections and adapted them to the available ingredients. The melting pot of cultures resulted in the fusion of many different food traditions.

In her presentation, Dennis will use family cookbooks and collections as well as published cookbooks to demonstrate how our past influences our food choices today.

Dr. Dennis has been collecting cookbooks since she was 10 years old when she received a copy of The Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook for her birthday. She enjoys traveling, cooking and entertaining friends and family. She has been on the faculty at Tarleton State University since 1995 and is currently Director of Academic Advising Services

For those wanting to attend, the Gordon Center is located about halfway between Fort Worth and Abilene at exit 367 on Interstate 20. The Gordon Center is a museum and research facility devoted to the Texas industrial past. 



The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Monday. For more information, call (254) 968-1886.